Mythology

Ancient Greek & Roman myths sometimes told great adventures where the main characters went on a quest (journey) which challenged them to do tasks and prove themselves.

Cultures around the world have myths Mesopotamian Indian Cultures around the world have myths Viking The ancient Greeks and Romans were not the only cultures to write myths.

Their heroes often had uncommon strength, bravery, or cleverness.

Heroes can have great - but human - abilities

A myth always has . . . A main character A god or goddess A moral lesson to be learned They . . . Often explain how something came to be or was first created

All myths have a main character Heroine Hero In literature, the main character is called the protagonist.

Sometimes the protagonist was a model of good or noble behavior for people long ago.

Phaeton Arachne Icarus Narcissus  Other times the protagonist showed foolish or undesirable traits that needed to be changed.

Protagonist / Hero

Your Turn! Create your own Hero/Heroine Describe what he/she looks like Responsibilities Powers Where he lives Symbol for him/her If you have finished all of these, start to think about: Possible enemies for your Hero/Heroine

All myths have a god or goddess Sometimes a god or goddess helps the protagonist of the story

The Immortals The gods and goddesses are often jealous or angry or otherwise act in very human ways. But they also have abilities or powers that humans lack.

In literature, this character is called the antagonist. Myths have a character with whom the main character will argue or battle. This character adds to the conflict of the story. They can be a creature or one of the gods themselves. In literature, this character is called the antagonist.

antagonist a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another; opponent; adversary.

The Odyssey : Odysseus tricks a blinded giant in order to escape

(Antagonist)

A Cyclops (Antagonist) … or any monsters !

Some Famous Mythical Creatures Hydra Griffin Many mythical creatures are a mixture of different animal parts.

Some Famous Mythical Creatures Basilisk Pegasus

Some Famous Mythical Creatures Minotaur Centaur

In a myth, the conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist often results in the explanation of an event in nature.

Whatever part of the world they came from, most myths . . . … taught a lesson … explained something about the world – perhaps how something in the world began or was created … in ancient times explained or gave reasons for the things that the people didn’t understand . . .

… like the changing of the seasons or the changing colors of leaves or the migration of birds ….

… why night changed to day or how we got thunder and lightning …

… the creation of a rainbow or clouds or why the tide flows to and from the shore.

Mythology Heroes & heroines Gods & goddesses Explanations & lessons (theme)

The end!